South Korea

Osan American Cougars
2011-12 season record — 11-16; 6-8, 6th in KAIAC Division I.Coach — Anthony Pollard, first season.Key returners — Derrick Merriwether, Sr., PG; Manasseh Nartey, Jr., SG; Kenny Mack-Stewart, Sr., C; Marlon Cox, So., PF; Ibrahim “Moose” Mustapha, Sr., G-F.Key newcomer — Darryin Cunningham, Jr., G.Outlook — Could be contending if all the pieces fall into place and work out right. Pollard, who transfers in from Archer High in northwest Atlanta, is happy with what he’s seen thus far and feels good about the Cougars.

Japan

Zama American Trojans
2011-12 season record — 17-15; 7-4, 3rd in Kanto; 7-4, 2nd in DODDS-Japan.Coach — Parish Jones, second season.Key returners — Rayvaughn King, Sr.; David Coleman, Sr.Key newcomer — Andrae Adams, So. (transfer from American School In Japan).Outlook — Reloading. Plenty of depth and experience; of Jones’ eight returnees, seven are seniors. He thoroughly welcomes the presence of Adams, who made a “positive impact” for the Mustangs in last year’s Far East Division I Tournament.

E.J. King Cobras
2011-12 season record — 0-26; 0-11, 6th DODDS Japan.
Coach — Rick Kendall, ninth season (returns after 11-season hiatus).Key returners — Jackson Small, Jr., C; Kershaun Lustre, Jr., F; Josh Lyle, Jr., G; Jake Lyle, Jr., G; Josh Addenbrooke, So.; Jeremy Rasay, So.Key newcomers — James Plagge, Sr., G (transfer from Texas); Rikki Kendall, Fr., G.Outlook — Rebuilding, but the elder Kendall insists this team will not be a piñata for DODDS Japan and the Far East D-II tournament. Kendall coached the Cobras to their only D-II tournament titles in school history, 1997 and 2000 and to finals berths in 2001 and ’02; they’ve since been back to the finals just once, in 2004. Kendall says he aims to change that, and soon.